Pakistan beat New Zealand in 2nd match of tri-series
Cricket
Pakistan beat New Zealand in 2nd match of tri-series.
CHRISTCHURCH (Dunya News) - Pakistan defeated New Zealand by six wickets in the second match of the tri-series in Hagley Oval, in Christchurch.
Pakistan lost two early wickets in the start while chasing the total but Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and vice-captain Shadab Khan gave the national side a strong partnership. Babar scored 79 off 53 balls while Shadab posted 34 off just 22 balls.
Wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan scored 4, Mohammad Nawaz 16 and Shan Masood was not able to score and went back inside on a zero.
The winning runs were scored by Babar. Pakistan needed 3 runs from 12 balls. Babar hit a magnificent four on Ish Sodhi’s bowl to seal the deal for his team.
Kiwi bowler Blair Tickner managed to take two wickets for his side.
New Zealand only managed to post a total of 147-8. While Pakistan bowler Haris Rauf grabbed three wickets and conceded only 28 runs in his four overs. Mohammad Wasim was excellent with the ball and took 2 wickets in his four overs, Shahnawaz Dahani conceded 22 in his three overs and Mohammad Nawaz bagged two wickets in his four overs. Shadab Khan was economical by giving away only 21 runs in his four-over spell.
Babar Azam bagged Player of the match award for his prolific innings. Talking in post-match presentation ceremony Babar said, "We played really well. Our bowlers bowled well in the first six and finished well too. As captain, I am very happy."
While talking about the team plan, he said, "We started off well with the bat. Rizwan and I wanted to utilise the first six overs. We have a plan to utilise Shadab up the order to use his skills. He applied himself very well. I told him I’ll go all the way and Shadab would take the chances. When we settled down to see the wicket and conditions, I planned to play till the end. "
When asked about the pitch, he said, "Little bit different due to dew, maybe little bit spinners are finding it hard due to the dew."
